This website uses cookies to improve user experience, to provide analytical data to better serve our visitors, and to serve advertising to fund our operations. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy.

Your preference will be saved for 90 days, or until you clear your browser cookies.

Hands-on: HP Pavilion 12 x2 Detachable PC/Tablet Combo

Until recently, if you wanted both a tablet and a computer, you had to buy two devices. But these days, computers are becoming versatile enough to serve both of those purposes – and more. Take, for example, the HP Pavilion 12 x2. This well-priced portable personal computer not only works as both a Windows 10 laptop and tablet, but as a presentation device in one system.

The HP Pavilion 12 x2 packs a crisp and colorful 12″ Full HD+ (1920×1280) IPS multitouch display, which offers great viewing angles. Plus, its 3:2 aspect ratio provides extra screen real estate that reduces the need for scrolling, and also is a great format for reading books and magazines in tablet mode. This lightweight system weighs in at just 3.24 lb., so it’s easy to take anywhere, and since it’s so versatile, it’s the only system you’ll need in your backpack.

The system runs all your favorite Windows apps, and quickly switches between four modes. Laptop mode works like a traditional laptop or notebook computer, with the display locked firmly in place by a magnetic hinge, and a tactile, full-size keyboard and trackpad at your fingertips. This mode is ideal for creating content, writing emails, or any situation where you’ve got a lot of typing to do. I’m sitting here typing this article on the keyboard right now, and my fingers are just flying across the keys, which offer a nice amount of travel.

When you’re ready to present your ideas to others, simply lift the display out of the magnetic hinge and flip it around to enter Presentation mode. Since the display is a touchscreen, you can interact with the system in this mode too. Presentation mode is also great for hands-free video chats and videoconferences using the built-in HD webcam.

Snap the display out of its hinge entirely and you’ll be in Tablet mode. This is great for chilling out and reading books, playing games, or surfing the web on the couch or in bed. Thanks to Windows 10’s Continuum feature, the interface switches from a laptop-friendly mode with a traditional Windows desktop interface, to a tablet mode, which adds a touch-friendly menu interface, full screen windows, and tapping on any text field pops up an on-screen keyboard. The tablet feels nice and substantial in your hands thanks to its metal construction, and has a bigger display than all but the most expensive standalone tablets.

Flip the display upside-down and snap it back into the keyboard’s hinge, and you’ll be in Tent mode. This mode is just perfect for watching your favorite movies and TV shows. It’s like having both a tablet and a tablet stand in one device – one less thing to carry in your bag, and that’s a good thing.

Speaking of watching videos, the Pavilion X2 offers on-board sound from HP Audio and B&O Play for clean and crisp stereo sound. The B&O Play app lets you fine-tune your music with its handy on-screen equalizer, and preset modes optimized for music, voice, and movies.

Of course, with all of its versatility, you’re gonna be using your computer all the time. So you want great battery life, and the x2 can keep you running for up to 8 hours and 15 minutes without needing a charge.

You can get the Pavilion 12 x2 with either an Intel Atom x5 processor (model number 12t), or a speedy Intel Core M processor (model number 12-b020-nr). The Atom x5 models come with 64GB of eMMC flash storage, while the Core M models get a 128GB solid state drive (SSD). All models come with 802.11 a/c Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity, a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a USB 2.0 port for external devices like flash drives and printers, a Micro HDMI port for connecting an external display, and a headphone jack. Yes, unlike some of the latest and even more expensive systems on the market, you won’t need to buy or carry an adapter to hook up external devices.

With prices starting at just $499.99(USD) for the Intel Atom x5 model and $599.99 for the Intel Core M model, the HP Pavilion 12 x2 packs a ton of functionality and useful features in a single, lightweight system – all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re creating content, consuming content, or sharing content, this little computer system has got you covered.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by HP. Technabob received compensation for writing it, however, our editorial team only recommends products or services we find interesting or have used personally, and believe will be good for our readers.